Cuts that hurt

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Mayor Tony Dover speaks to the DNJ about the need for a balanced budget. The revenue the town pulls in has been hit hard by a stagnant economy so the belt tightening that has been going on for the last few years needs to get even more tight...and this is a must, not a need.

 "As the economy began to slow and we started seeing a reduction in sales tax collections and development revenues, we did what any prudent business does and started implementing cost saving measures to cut back on expenses until things improved. After 3 years of doing this, it is clear that we will not see a return to the growth we were living on in years past. 

 Some of the areas that cuts could come from are talked about in this article.

 It’s likely that will mean fewer employees in the police and fire departments, as those departments make up the bulk of the budget.For the last three years, Smyrna has implemented cost-saving measures such as freezes to merit raises, cutting off travel and training, and even putting an end to free coffee. But those aren’t sustainable changes, according to Mayor Tony Dover, who wants the next budget to be a model for a “leaner, more efficient” vision of the town.

I wish the mayor well on what likely will be a painful exercise.